From school to sea for the newest volunteer crew member at Anstruther RNLI
17 year old Danielle Marr has joined the Anstruther crew as a volunteer on both lifeboats.
Danielle, who is in her final year at the towns Waid Academy high school, has chosen to follow in the footsteps of her older brother Anthony Marr who has volunteered at the station since Danielle was six years old.
Danielle said ‘I am delighted to join the crew here at Anstruther. I've grown up watching my brother volunteer and the difference the RNLI make in our community and I want to be a part in that. I've been on a few exercises on both the D class and all-weather lifeboat and have really enjoyed the experience and look forward to continuing my learning.’
This is not a first for a pupil at the Waid Academy to be granted permission to carry a pager and respond to emergency calls.
Station coxswain Michael Bruce joined the RNLI over 24 years ago whilst at school and he is delighted to welcome Danielle to the station.
Michael commented ‘I am delighted to welcome Danielle to our team of volunteers. Having just completed her first exercise afloat since being enrolled, Danielle's enthusiasm to learn and become a competent member of the crew was clear to see. My team are looking forward to training with Danielle and preparing her for the challenges that will undoubtedly lie ahead.
On behalf of the RNLI I would like to thank the Waid Academy for their supportive approach to pupils volunteering in the community and the benefits that come from doing so.’
The station enjoys a longstanding relationship with the Waid Academy and has spent time with the pupils to show our equipment and to communicate the RNLI Respect The Water campaign and this is a great development between the two.
David Corstorphine, Principal Teacher Pupil Support commented, 'The Waid Academy has a long tradition of working with the community and naturally this includes promoting safety in and around the sea. We enjoy good links with our local RNLI and are very proud that one of our senior students has qualified to become an active member of the lifeboat crew. We hope Danielle’s work can be an inspiration to all of our pupils in their charity fundraising efforts and will encourage others to do voluntary work to help those in need.'
Danielle is yet to experience an emergency call but permission has been granted by the school that if this is to happen during class time, she is permitted to leave the school and respond.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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